Mexican Prawn Bowl with Rice, Black Beans and Lime

A Mexican-style prawn bowl brings together the ease of a rice bowl with the bright, punchy flavours of lime, coriander, beans and chilli. Here, tender long-grain rice forms the base for warm black beans and sweetcorn, while quickly cooked prawns add savoury spice from cumin, garlic and Kashmiri chilli. Avocado gives creaminess, the tomato and red onion salsa keeps the bowl fresh, and a final squeeze of lime sharpens everything. It is the kind of flexible, satisfying lunch or light dinner that feels colourful without being complicated.
Cuisine style Mexican-inspired everyday cooking
Spice level Medium
Cooking style Meal prep friendly
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Bright, balanced finish: Lime and fresh tomato salsa cut through the rice, beans and avocado, keeping the bowl lively rather than heavy.
  • Fast-cooking protein: Prawns cook in minutes, making the bowl feel generous while keeping the overall cooking time manageable.
  • Easy to adapt: The chilli level, herbs and lime can be adjusted at the end, so each bowl can be made fresher, milder or sharper to taste.

Get the most out of this recipe

Adjust the heat

  • For a gentler bowl: Reduce the Kashmiri chilli and lean on cumin, lime and coriander for flavour without as much heat.
  • For more warmth: Add extra chilli to the prawn seasoning, then finish with more lime so the heat stays balanced.

Texture tips

  • Keep the rice fluffy: Let the drained rice steam off briefly before covering it, which helps prevent a claggy texture.
  • Protect the prawns: Remove the prawns from the pan as soon as they are pink and opaque; they will continue cooking slightly from residual heat.

Make-ahead tips

  • Store in separate containers: Keep the rice, beans and sweetcorn, prawns and salsa separate so each component keeps its best texture.
  • Reheat gently: Warm the rice and beans until piping hot, then reheat the prawns briefly so they do not become tough.
  • Add fresh toppings last: Slice the avocado and squeeze over the lime just before serving to keep the bowl fresh.

Ingredient notes

  • Kashmiri chilli: Kashmiri chilli brings colour and moderate warmth rather than aggressive heat, making it well suited to quick-cooked prawns.
  • Choosing avocado: Use an avocado that yields slightly when pressed, so it slices cleanly but still gives a creamy contrast.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Cook the rice in a saucepan of salted boiling water until tender, 10–12 minutes. Drain well and cover to keep warm.
  2. Meanwhile, make the salsa: dice the tomatoes and finely chop half the red onion. Finely chop a small handful of the coriander, squeeze over half the lime, add a pinch of the salt, and mix well.
  3. Rinse and drain the black beans, then tip into a saucepan with the sweetcorn and a splash of water. Warm gently for 4–5 minutes, stirring, until hot; season with a pinch of the salt.
  4. Slice the remaining red onion and finely chop the garlic. In a bowl, toss the prawns with the cumin, Kashmiri chilli, garlic, 1 tbsp of the olive oil, and a pinch of the salt.
  5. Heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Fry the prawns for 2–3 minutes, turning, until pink and just cooked through.
  6. Halve, stone and slice the avocado, then roughly chop the remaining coriander. Divide the rice between two bowls, top with the beans and sweetcorn, then add the prawns and avocado; finish with the remaining lime squeezed over. Serve with the tomato salsa on the side.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For the best texture, spread the drained rice on a plate for a minute to let steam escape, then cover; it stays fluffy rather than claggy.
  • Do not overcook the prawns: take them off the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque, as they carry on cooking for a minute.
  • If serving to anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, make sure the prawns are cooked until fully opaque and piping hot throughout.

Substitutions

  • Replace Ground Kashmiri chili with half the amount of Ground cumin for a milder, less spicy bowl.
  • Replace Fresh coriander with extra Lime for a brighter finish if you are not keen on coriander.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Store rice, beans and sweetcorn, prawns, and salsa separately in airtight containers. Reheat rice and beans until piping hot; warm the prawns briefly in a frying pan so they do not toughen. Add avocado and lime just before serving.

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Mexican Prawn Bowl with Rice, Black Beans and Lime
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 40min (25min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Allergens:
    Crustaceans
Beginner friendly Kid friendly

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